Meet the McMillan Family

Remembering Our Sweet Brody

Some families are faced with medical diagnoses that defy the odds, challenge their beliefs, and lead them to places they never anticipated. The McMillan family, like so many others, found themselves living this truth through the life and legacy of their son, Brody Mitchel McMillan, who was born with Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), a rare and often fatal genetic condition. Their story of hope, resilience, and the power of love is a testament to the strength of faith and the importance of seeing beyond statistics.

Brody’s diagnosis would define the course of his life and ultimately change the lives of his family members forever. The McMillans discovered that their unborn son had Trisomy 18 through genetic testing when Sarah was 12 weeks pregnant. Trisomy 18 is a condition in which an individual carries an extra copy of chromosome 18, which causes severe developmental delays and physical abnormalities. Most babies diagnosed with this condition are either stillborn or pass away shortly after birth. Sarah and Jason, however, did not accept this fate. They were told by their pediatric geneticist that their best option was abortion, but that suggestion was met with shock and disbelief. As they walked out of the doctor’s office that day, they made a decision that would change their lives—Brody’s life—forever. They knew that no diagnosis could dictate the value of their son’s life, and they were determined to cherish every moment they had with him, regardless of how long that might be.

Brody was, in many ways, a miracle before he was even born. Sarah and Jason had both been through challenging marriages and had children from previous relationships, yet they found themselves building a new family. At 41, Sarah conceived Brody, a gift they cherished deeply. As they navigated the difficult months of pregnancy, they found solace in the belief that God was in control of their son’s life. They continued to rely on prayer and faith, asking for guidance and peace as they processed the unknowns ahead.

With every ultrasound, Brody defied the odds. Their new doctor, who was deeply supportive of the family, offered them free biweekly ultrasounds, allowing Sarah, Jason, and their children— Jocelyn, Aliza, Camden, an opportunity to bond with Brody. It became a celebration of life, no matter how fragile it was. As Sarah approached her due date, doctors were amazed that Brody had survived in utero as long as he had, since most babies with Trisomy 18 did not make it that far. The McMillans remained hopeful, cherishing every moment and trusting that their son’s life, however short, would have profound meaning.

On July 17, 2019, Brody was born, two weeks past his due date. At birth, Brody was not breathing. A team of doctors and nurses worked tirelessly to resuscitate him, but after 20 minutes, they handed him to Sarah, allowing her to meet her son, but also to say goodbye. The moment was heartbreaking, but it was not the end of Brody’s story. As Sarah cradled her son, praying with her husband, they felt a sudden movement—a grunt and a squirm. Could it be? Brody was still alive. Within moments, specialists rushed into the room to assist. Time seemed to stop as Sarah and Jason locked eyes with their son for the first time. Brody had made his presence known, and from that point, his life would be filled with love, even if it was short.

The medical team was astounded. Brody took his first breath 25 minutes after birth, his heartbeat rising from 40 beats per minute to 122. Brody’s life, though fragile, was a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of prayer. After two weeks in the NICU, where Sarah and Jason spent every moment with their son, Brody left the hospital to come home. He was on a feeding tube and required oxygen, but he was alive. His organs showed some abnormalities, but they were not immediately life-threatening.

For the next three weeks, Sarah, Jason, and their children cherished their time with Brody, showering him with love, laughter, and prayers. Brody’s siblings had the opportunity to care for him, read to him, sing to him, and even push him in his stroller for outings. Though Brody’s time on Earth was brief, his family knew that his life had already made a profound impact.

For Sarah and Jason, caring for a medically fragile child with a terminal diagnosis while managing the needs of their other children, especially Camden, who has autism, was no small feat. The family faced obstacles, such as being placed on waiting lists for services, including at-home nursing care, and navigating the complexities of a medical system that was not designed to support families in their situation. However, they never allowed these challenges to overshadow the love and faith that guided them. They advocated for their son, for their family, and for the services they so desperately needed, even though these services were often difficult to access.

The most significant lesson Sarah and Jason learned was the importance of advocating for their child, especially during pregnancy. They shared that many parents, when faced with a diagnosis like Trisomy 18, may not be informed about services available to them while their child is still in utero.

This information, they feel, could have made a difference in accessing critical services sooner, such as training on how to handle feeding tubes and administer infant CPR. The McMillans also emphasized the importance of communication with friends and family, especially during a time when fear and uncertainty can make people uncomfortable. They urged families to tell their loved ones what they need—whether it’s emotional support or simply acknowledgment of their pregnancy and the life of their child, no matter how brief that life may be.

The grief of losing Brody is something Sarah and Jason continue to navigate. Though Brody’s life was short, his legacy is lasting. He is remembered each day, and his memory lives on through the family’s ongoing work in the community, especially with their business, House of Pins. After Brody’s passing, they left Brody’s funeral and went to Brown County to be in God’s country. "My body had just given birth to Brody just 6 and a half weeks prior. Little did we know we conceived Mateo that weekend. He is only 10.5 months younger than his brother Brody. They are Irish twins!"

Sarah and Jason felt called to create a space where people of all abilities could be celebrated, included, and loved.

An adaptive recreational bowling alley, House of Pins is more than just a business for the McMillans. It is a tribute to Brody’s life, a place where everyone is seen through the lens of love and acceptance, where no one is labeled or categorized. It is a safe, sensoryfriendly space for families, businesses, and organizations, particularly those serving individuals with special needs.

The McMillans remain deeply involved in their community. They have volunteered at their church, where Sarah created a special needs ministry, and they have worked to ensure that those with special needs have access to the support and services they deserve. They continue to advocate for inclusion and acceptance, working to break down barriers and build bridges for a future where all people, regardless of ability, are valued.

As parents to Camden, Sarah and Jason emphasize that every child is unique and should not be defined by their diagnosis. Camden, now a teenager, has shown remarkable growth in his independence,

talents, and relationships, though he still faces difficulties with peer interactions and sensitivities to auditory stimuli. Sarah and Jason have worked tirelessly to ensure Camden has the support he needs to thrive, including using role play, visuals, and positive reinforcement. They celebrate Camden for who he is and encourage others to do the same, recognizing that every child has talents, gifts, and potential, regardless of the challenges they may face. Through their experiences with Brody and Camden, the McMillans have come to understand the importance of embracing life with faith and hope, even in the face of adversity. They have learned that every life—no matter how short—is precious, and that the love and lessons we learn along the way can leave an everlasting impact. Their journey is one of faith, resilience, and love, and they continue to inspire others to live life with a lens of acceptance, celebration, and inclusion for all people. The McMillans’ story is one of profound loss, but also one of incredible love and strength, showing that even in the most challenging times, God’s plans can unfold in unexpected and beautiful ways.